Northern Ireland

Edinburgh man convicted of attempting to murder two friends in a 'frenzied' knife attack

Friends Gillian Clarke and Bernadette Lester.
Friends Gillian Clarke and Bernadette Lester. Friends Gillian Clarke and Bernadette Lester.

Edinburgh High Court has convicted a man of trying to murder two friends, who were on a city break from Belfast, in a random knife attack.

Peter Cameron (38) attacked Gillian Clarke and Bernadette Lester, outside the Apex Hotel in Edinburgh's Grassmarket.

The women, who had been on a weekend break, had stepped outside of the hotel for a smoke in the early hours of November 8 last year when Cameron lunged at them with a knife.

Both women sustained serious injures and a hero hotel employee who came to the friend's rescue was also injured.

Neil Robertson (37) received a bravery award from Police Scotland. He suffered a hand injury after intervening.

The court heard how Cameron struck Ms Lester (61) with a knife 10 times in the space of four seconds, hitting her on the chest, head, arm, shoulder and hands.

Her friend Gillian Clarke (58), a nurse, was stabbed twice in the face, suffering injuries to her tongue and mouth.

During the trial, Cameron admitted attempting to murder Ms Lester by repeatedly striking her on the head, neck and body with the knife to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of her life.

He also admitted assaulting Mr Robertson, who went to the aid of the women, by striking him with the knife.

Cameron further admitted assaulting Ms Clarke but denied attempting to murder her.

However, a jury unanimously convicted him of the murder bid.

Judge Lady Scott deferred sentence until next month to allow for the preparation of a background report and risk assessment.

Adding that she was concerned about the potential risk he posed to the public detaining him in custody.